It's as if there's a sign on my forehead that says, "SAVE ME"- how do I deal with religious people who offer

Question

unsolicited advice to me? The church invitations, the sneaky insults, the kind arguing, all because I don't share their religious convictions? Yesterday I spent 30 minutes arguing with a man at my retail job who insisted on reading scripture to me becauses I "have such a pretty smile" and " he could see that I have a "good soul". I would never insult anyone that way. How do I put a stop to this line of attack in a way that's not rude?

I usually just say, 'I appreciate your concern but I don't believe that" or something along those lines, then the start up in earnest.

Answer 1

Tell them that you appreciate their concern but you are not interested. If they persist tell them that you have asked them to leave you alone and that you don’t appreciate them disrespecting your wish. If they still won’t back off, they are simply being rude and you have every right to be firm with them.

What many Christians don’t understand is that a person must be willing to listen. You might as well be speaking a foreign language if they don’t want to listen.

I think Christians would do better to let our actions speak for us. There is a simple concept that many may have learned in a basic writing class. "Show, don’t tell". This is what Christians should do. Show what God has done in our lives by the way we live our lives.

Answer 2

I feel the same way that you do about this. I just tell people I am not interested thank you. If it is a boss or co-worker and they don't stop when you ask them to it may be considered harrassment and I believe there are laws against this. There is also a legal issue if you feel they start treating you differently or fire you because of difference in religious beliefs. Of course I don't know your situation and how much trouble it is worth it to you. It is always sort of offensive to me when some people imply that because you are either a nice person or attractive you must secretly be a believer as they are because no one nice, good, and/or attractive could possibly not be a believer like them. I avoid these people as much as possible. I would hate to work surrounded by this. You have my sympathy.

Answer 3

As soon as they start in on you, ask them if they have heard of Amway. Works every time, as they sell you their beliefs, sell them on the concept of Amway right back. Eventually they will get the point and leave, or not get the point, but feel like you are trying to push Amway on them and leave.

The discussion should go something like this:

Have you heard the Good news of the Gospel?

-u-Yes thank you, if sounds wonderful, have you ever wanted to be your own boss?

Umm sure, but I would love to talk with you about Jesus and how much he loves you.

-u- That sounds great, why don't we schedule some time and get together.

Awesome, my preacher said this would be hard, but its working out great. When?

-u- Well we usually meet on Tuesday nights.

We?

-u- Yes my group, I am a director now and soon I will be able to quit my retail job and work on my business full time. I will introduce you to the rest of my team and we will get to know each other. Don't worry, no strings attached, I am sure that once you have had a chance to see all the benefits of our program you won't be able to contain your excitement.

Well I was kinda hoping we could talk about Jesus?

-u- Oh, if you want to do that, just save it till after the meeting, we like to focus on keeping each other motivated and full of faith. By the way, where do you think this blouse came from?

Um I don't know if I will be able to make it, in fact I think I have to go finish something now, nice talking to you.

-u- Awwww too bad, make sure you come again soon, I just know you will really benefit from our program, I'll keep an eye out for you and catch you when you come in next time. OK?

Answer 4

I am a Christian and have never shared unsolicited advise about my beliefs. I think that you should say " Thank you for your concern, but I do not think that work is the place to discuss this. I also have my own beliefs and if I wanted to know about Christianity, I would research it on my own time".
My pastor teaches me that if I am at work, I should work. My employer is paying me to work, not preach!
I am sorry that people insult you.
Peace out.

Answer 5

I get this alot and I *am* a Christian. It's because you seem approachable to them. Their intentions are good. You have to make up a "rule" that will stop the conversation in a way that isn't rude. For instance, at work, you can say that you would prefer not to discuss religion at work. On the streets, you can tell them that you prefer to talk about religion with people that you know, or something like that. You just have to come up with what works best for you. You won't get it to stop completely because people talk about things that are important to them, and religion is important to many people.

Do not give them any "ammo".

Answer 6

Invites can go back in the post 'return to sender' with a little bit of advice for the sender scribbled on the envelope, any closer contact than the post raise your foot into the noyts of the offender.

Answer 7

just tell them the truth. tell them u dont have the same beliefs as they do but u appreciate their concern. if that doesnt help then i guess just walk away. it isnt right that they try to push their beliefs on u. thats wrong. u cant MAKE some 1 believe some thing other then what they want. they should respect ur beliefs and u.

Answer 8

Just tell them you are waiting for a life changing event of grand proportion to finally go to the love of the Father.

Answer 9

Say, "Thank you for thinking about me but I am happy with my own beliefs. Luckily though if I ever have a question I will know who to ask" This way you are still being respectful but also letting them know that you are not willing to listen to them

Answer 10

Tell them to stop, walk away, then if they persist call the cops.

Also you might want to stop hanging out in Religious chat rooms.